ChristinaDuranGodby (1924 - 2013)

Christina Duran GodbyNov. 24, 1924 ­ Oct. 7, 2013Christina Duran Godby passed away peacefully Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, at her daughter¹s home in La Luz.Christina was born Nov. 24, 1924, in Alamogordo to Angela Sanchez Duran and Manuel Gomez Duran.She graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1942. In 1943, she went to work for the civil service at what is now Holloman Air Force Base, where she worked until her marriage.In Alamogordo, she was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she was secretary for Father James B. Hay and taught catechism.In 1956, the Godbys moved to La Luz. They were members of Our Lady of the Light Catholic Church.The Godbys raised five children: Tina Loraine, Marian Janice, Philip Christopher, Stephanie Kay (SKY) and Jeffrey Douglas. They also raised a nephew Robert Duran Jr.In her younger years, Mrs. Godby was very active in her church, the school and her community.She was the first president of the American G.I. Forum Women¹s Auxiliary, as well as the first president of the Knights of Columbus Ladies¹ Auxiliary.She was very active and served as an officer in the Democratic Women¹s Club.More recently, she was the first secretary for the committee for the Recognition of the Hispanic Pioneers of the Tularosa Basin and is a member of the Hispanic Pioneers.She wrote short stories and poems that centered on her Hispanic culture and upbringing in Alamogordo. Her writings in English and Spanish won her several awards.She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Godby Jr.; her parents Manuel and Angela Duran; brothers Manny and Robert Duran; sister Ramona Duran; and nephew Robert Duran Jr.She is survived by her children: Tina Godby-Ware and husband, Mitch, Philip Godby, Janice Masters and husband, Stephen, Stephanie (SKY) Yates and husband, John, and Jeff Godby and wife, Loretta; grandchildren Samuel and Joseph Ware, Graciella Watts, Josh Godby, Autumn Crow, Jeremy Masters, Amy Rivers, Cameron Ricker, Amanda King, and Rachel and Jillian Godby; and great-grandchildren Lauren Velez, Marc and Jacob Barrios, Dominic Masters, Isaac and Lily Rivers, and Calvin King.She is also survived by brothers Louis Duran and wife, Yvonne, of El Paso, Anthony (Pepe) Duran and wife, Evelyn, of Las Cruces, and Jaime Duran, of Alamogordo.The curtain falls, the play is over, I must depart.To you, dear ones, I leave my heart.Remember me, and a little prayer say,To help my soul find Heaven¹s way.For despite the many tears and strife,Oh, loved ones and friends, I had a glorious life.A memorial service conducted by Father Christopher Williams will be held at11 a.m. Saturday Oct. 19, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Alamogordo, with a reception immediately following at the ICC hall.In lieu of flowers, should friends desire and as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Alamogordo Home Health Care & Hospice, PO Drawer 29, Alamogordo, NM 88311; or the ALS Association at www.alsa.org.The Godby family has entrusted their loved one to Alamogordo Funeral Home.Cremation has taken place.To sign the online guest book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.